Greece has asked the US to approve the supply of AIM-120 AMRAAMs for its incoming F-35s, seeking to retain a technological advantage over Turkey in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
The request follows Ankara’s plans to equip future Eurofighters with MBDA Meteor missiles, a move that Greek officials say requires Athens to counterbalance by securing the AIM-120D, according to Kathimerini.
Should Washington decline, Greece is reportedly prepared to procure Meteor missiles for its F-35s instead, potentially shifting future long-term contracts toward Europe.
In addition to the AIM-120D, Greece has also shown interest in the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, expected to exceed the AMRAAM’s range and overall performance.
AIM-120D Deployment
The AIM-120D, a modern beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, is already in service with various US and allied forces.
The US Air Force fields the weapon on the F-15C/D, F-16C/D, F-22, and F-35A, while partners such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Norway integrate it into their F-15 and F-35 platforms.
Its extended range, advanced guidance, and mid-flight retargeting capabilities make it a critical asset for air dominance in high-threat environments.
The missile has been used extensively in major NATO exercises such as Red Flag and Maple Flag, as well as operational deployments across the Pacific, Middle East, and Europe.
